Volunteer Spotlight: Matteo from Teramo, ITALY

Matteo, a 22-year-old economics graduate from Teramo, Italy, arrived at Barnton Bunker with two goals: to improve his English and to challenge himself with a once-in-a-lifetime experience outside his comfort zone. His time at the Bunker marks his first adventure away from home, his first time volunteering, and, according to him, possibly the best experience of his life so far.

“The first thing that pushed me to do this experience was definitely to learn English, since I will need it for the future, but above all to have a super experience, also being the first experience outside of Italy, far from my family, my comfort zone and my friends”.

He discovered Barnton Bunker through Workaway while searching for something different - something you don’t hear about every day. And that’s exactly what he found. Despite some initial struggles in his first few days adjusting to the language, the tasks, and communal life, Matteo quickly found his rhythm and began to thrive. Now, he says the Bunker feels like a second home.

Matteo describes himself as cheerful, adventurous, and open. Though he didn’t bring prior trade or construction skills with him, he was eager to learn.

“At most, I’d only done small jobs at home,” he admitted, “but here I’ve learned so many new things that will be useful in life.”

Among the tasks he’s taken on, he especially enjoyed helping build the deck with fellow volunteer Sam and working on wall repairs during his early days. He also liked learning to use tools for the first time and getting hands-on experience. The only thing he found less enjoyable was digging in the garage - a job he found physically exhausting but still tackled with good humour in true Matteo style.

Teamwork has been a big part of Matteo’s experience. Despite the language barrier, he’s found communication easier than expected thanks to the support of other volunteers and a shared desire to work together. He credits this welcoming atmosphere for helping him feel comfortable, connected, and confident.

Matteo’s not just been working - he’s also been living the full Bunker experience. He loved the bonfires, barbecues, and late-night chats in the volunteer living room, and even found joy in sleeping in a shared room for the first time - something totally new after a lifetime of having his own space.

When asked about his goals, Matteo said he’s already achieved what he set out to do: meet incredible people, experience new cultures, and share in a truly communal lifestyle. He hopes to stay in touch with the friends he’s made at the Bunker and continue cheering each other on as they all pursue their next adventures.

Looking back, he wouldn’t change a thing. “All of it was my favourite,” he says with a smile. “10 out of 10.”